Maria Natividad Rivas

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of our beloved Maria Natividad Rivas, who departed this life peacefully on November 23, 2025, at the age of 94. Maria was born on December 25, 1930, in the warm and cherished town of Mercedes, Texas, where she spent her entire life nurturing her family and community with love, compassion, and resilience.

Maria dedicated herself to her family as a devoted homemaker, creating a nurturing environment filled with warmth and laughter. She embraced her heritage and instilled in her loved ones the values of hard work, kindness, and the importance of family.

She is preceded in death by her mother, Inocencia Capetillo; her husband, Domingo Chavez Rivas & one son, Juan Manuel Gonzalez.

Maria Natividad is survived by six sons, Jose Efrain Rivas (Elvia D.), Heriberto Rivas (Belinda), Domingo Javier Rivas (Andrea), Joel Rivas, Jorge Luis Rivas (Alma Cardenas), Rodolfo Rivas (Connie Chavez); six daughters, Evangelina Serrata (Armando), Elvia Rivas, Corina Rivas Castro (Hilario), Dora Licia Rodriguez (Juan), Linda San Juanita Rivas (Juan Esperaza) & Maria Guadalupe Hernandez (Ramon). Also surviving are 54 grandchildren, numerous great-grandchildren & great-great grandhchildren, who will forever carry her spirit and teachings in their hearts.

A cherished matriarch, Maria's life was a tapestry woven with memories of love and devotion. She touched the lives of many with her gentle spirit and unwavering strength. Her legacy of warmth, hospitality, and selflessness will continue to inspire those who had the privilege to know her.

Friends and family are invited to celebrate her life and bid farewell in a series of ceremonies that will reflect the love and respect she garnered throughout her years. A visitation is scheduled for Sunday, November 30, 2025, from 2:00 PM to 9:00 PM, at Salinas Funeral Home of Weslaco - Chapel of the Heavens with a 7:00 PM Rosary.

A 1:00 PM Funeral Mass in her honor will be held on Monday, December 1, 2025 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Mercedes, where we will gather to celebrate Maria's remarkable journey. Following the Mass, she will be laid to rest at Highland Memorial Park.

Maria Natividad Rivas will be dearly missed but forever remembered in the hearts of those she loved. May she rest in eternal peace.

Funeral Services have been entrusted to Salinas Funeral Home of Weslaco.